In a significant development for Disneyland employees, unions representing the workforce have reached a tentative contract agreement with Disney negotiators. This agreement, which aims to provide higher pay for various roles including ride operators, store clerks, and ticket takers, narrowly avoided a strike at the Anaheim theme park.
The Master Services Council, representing 14,000 Disneyland employees from four unions, made the announcement on Wednesday, July 24. The union bargaining committee will recommend the agreement to Disneyland cast members, the term used by Disney for their employees.
ALSO SEE: Everything You Need to Know About Disneyland’s D23 Day Offerings
“Cast members have fought hard for the past four months,” stated Disneyland Workers Rising in a statement. “This tentative agreement would not have been possible without the strength we all showed throughout this process and the unwavering support from guests and community members.”
Tentative Agreement Highlights
Disneyland cast members, represented by the Master Services Council, are set to vote on the tentative agreement on Monday, July 29, from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Disneyland, as announced by the unions on Twitter.
Disneyland officials expressed their satisfaction with the tentative agreement. “We care deeply about the wellbeing of our cast members and are pleased to have reached a tentative agreement with Master Services Council that addresses what matters most to our cast while positioning Disneyland Resort for future growth and job creation,” they said.
The proposed three-year contract includes a significant wage increase and seniority premiums, along with revisions to the attendance policy, according to the unions’ Twitter announcement.
Union members had previously voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike, in anticipation of a bargaining meeting with Disney negotiators on Monday, July 22, and Tuesday, July 23. The union coalition has been in negotiations with Disney over a new contract since April, representing a diverse group of employees including ride operators, store clerks, custodians, candy makers, ticket takers, parking attendants, and tram drivers.
The existing Disneyland contract, covering approximately 9,000 employees, expired on June 16. Additionally, the Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney contracts, covering about 5,000 employees, are set to expire on September 30.
Averting a Strike
The tentative agreement comes as a relief to both Disneyland employees and visitors, who were facing the possibility of a strike that could have significantly disrupted operations at the theme park. The unions and Disney have been in intense negotiations, aiming to secure better wages and working conditions for the employees.
This agreement highlights the power of collective bargaining and the importance of union representation in advocating for workers’ rights. The Disneyland unions have shown resilience and determination in their pursuit of a fair contract, ensuring that their members are recognized and compensated for their contributions to the success of the theme park.
As the cast members prepare to vote on the agreement, there is a sense of cautious optimism among the workforce. If ratified, the new contract will mark a significant step forward in improving the working conditions and compensation for Disneyland employees, setting a positive precedent for future negotiations.
In conclusion, the tentative agreement between Disneyland unions and Disney negotiators represents a crucial victory for the employees, who have fought diligently for fair treatment and better wages. The upcoming vote will be a decisive moment in determining the future of Disneyland’s workforce, with the potential to usher in a new era of improved labor relations and employee satisfaction at the beloved theme park.